As someone who has been following you since I think about 2 or 3 videos after your first realization you needed to declutter after returning from a vacation a) WOW, has it really been that long?? and b) WOW, look at your amazing progress!
I watched you decluttering the basement and the attic. I watched you say your husband was at work. Then we watched such a joyous reunion. Staying at a decluttered house I saw you realize the peace. 2 weeks ago I started seriously finishing the decluttering of my Dads, my sister and my Moms lifetime of paper - which was worse than the objects. At 73, I am determined my son and grandsons will not have to do this for me. Thank you for helping me know I Got This.
I am so glad you referenced Francine Jay! I read her book in 2012. It changed my life. She is a true minimalist, not just a declutter and reorganize gal. The story in the book that really grabbed me was when her New York apartment was robbed. The robbers stole a tube of lipstick and her laptop. The cops came in and said, “Wow, you really got cleaned out!” She was like, “Yes! They stole my favorite lipstick!” Ah ha ha! Her comment about how the robbers must have been so disappointed to not find ANYTHING to steal!
You explain things so simply but with great effect. I have been watching you from the beginning and loved your basement and moving videos - so inspiring. You have achieved so much in this short period of time. You should be so proud🎉❤🎉
I’ve never been a messy person or an especially sentimental sort but I really enjoy learning how the mind works for folks who struggle with this. I have children who love to keep ‘all the things’ and I share the insights I learn from ladies like you. When we had 6 children in our 1,200 square foot house, I’d hear all the time how busy I must be and how I must be constantly cleaning. No. We limited stuff. Now that I have no small children, I have days ‘off’ in my cleaning schedule! You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am a military lady that is tired of stuff and tired of moving all the stuff while trying to get to retirement, raise kids and keep a clean home that doesn’t stress me/ us out. Thank you.
I can second all of that list. I particularly laughed at the comment about walking around, trying to find something to do. It's a bit scary some days. :D
I remember that video. I'm struggling with the transition from minimalism to simple living. I want to be 'done' with minimalism or rather done with decluttering. I want my garage to be functional and not a backlog of clutter. I can park but it's not the tidy navigable space I dream of. That video being five years old made me realize how long it's been trying to get there. 😂
good moring I am a proud mother of five Eagle Scouts it gives me much joy when I see families with boys in the scouting program My boys (men) look back on their time in scouts with joy. Love seeing your boys in uniforns or the uniforms hanging after being washed. Thank you
Erica, I have to thank you for the inspiration you have given me to downsize my home. My husband and I are retired so we should not be hanging onto stuff. I have started decluttering and we have donated a lot to thrift stores. No not Goodwill. I have you to thank for getting me going. I'm watching all your older videos and working my way to the most recent ones. Please keep your videos coming. I really enjoy them, you and Andy!!!!
I think I have been watching since the beginning of the basement too. I already had the book by Francine Jay, but reread it. I bought the second book too. I too have found that decluttering is now built into my routine as things “don’t fit in their homes” any more. The tackling of every spot is the way to go. I have a box in the basement that I fill as I declutter. When full, out it goes. I buy fewer toys for grandchildren and pay for camp and outings and things like that instead. I can go at a slower pace now because there is not as much stuff. It makes life so much easier. Thank you.❤🙏
Wow that was 3.5 years ago? You’ve proved it can be done with perseverance, motivation and kindness. Thank you. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👍💪👏🙏💐
The mind says go go go. The heart put on the brakes. I like the idea of reverse thinking immensely. Was there ever a turning point to deal with items that were attached to sentiments, people gone, and everything else of emotions which tug our heart to keep because letting go hurts too much? I’m not alone, I hope….. thank you!!!! God bless
Yes I think the turning point for sentimental for me was when it was all gathered into 25 bins after a move. It was too much and that encouraged me to deal with it.
@@EricaLucasLoves Yes. when enough is enough. It's like we turn into super woman. get outta my way! I do pray....I pray for my heart to change. I pray for a brighter perspective not just about my stuff but other areas in life that normally get me feeling negative and nasty, quite frankly. I don't need that! Aging is rough enough without having the nasties be a part of my countenance. Let's all hope we can get to our positive turning points, turning in the bright direction : )
Love the reminder of your journey's start! Your videos from 2019 are the ones that got me excited about decluttering in the first place. I knew I had to do something but didn't know what, why or how. So I wish you many blessings and I thank you so much! Hugs
I’d love to see a day in the life spring video. The reverse decluttering method you showed is so much more helpful to me than the other way. Thanks for all your hard work you put into these videos!
Love this video, Erica. What do you feel when you see your old basement with all the stuff in it? I watched you through all of it and I felt overwhelmed instantly seeing it again. You sure have changed your home. Congrats to you, Erica!
I’ve been doing number 5. Replaced plastic storage with glass as they needed replaced. Have gone organic as things have ran out. Use shampoo and conditioner in bars now as they come in cardboard not plastic. Have no spares of anything. As it has about a week left of use I order a new one. When I first started doing this I had over a year of most products before I had to buy more! It kick started my saving. I also did the same with my daughter clothes. Had four outfits out for each season but kept spares for as they need replaced. (She has special needs and has stopped growing). I haven’t had to buy her clothes in over two years! I’ve done the same with my clothes but have only kept what I absolutely love. As they get replaced I thrift good quality clothes. It’s made a massive difference to my mindset and bank balance! It sure is a long journey though, so good luck to everyone.😊
The reverse decluttering you talked about is what really helped me to declutter. We are a large family and to help the kids go through the toys I just asked them to pick what they wanted to keep. It was easier to donate the toys as they just said keep or no. I also do that with t-shirts. My boys are older so they get a lot of shirts/ clothes for Christmas and birthdays. And they've not grown too much the last couple of years so it's a hold it up and say yes keep or no.
Oh my this makes me want to go back to when I joined you cleaning out your last home's basement and shared your journey through that process - time for some binge watching! I've said it before - but again - to me I see you busy living the life you worked for - the decluttering is done now's the time to get fully into all the good that process allows 😊
I agree with all of your points so much. Our family has been embracing being a 'slow family' - living more simply, more mindful, more outside, more connected. For us, a key part in getting there has been reducing our inventory and living minimal-ish (live this term, some members of our family are less minimal than others and that's okay!). We see so many benefits, like you mentioned.
Some people are born organised some not, but we can all learn to be organised, I started my journey must be 15 years ago with Fly lady,, I also watched every decluttering utube available, I watched you Erica right from the beginning when you were saying how much home schooling stuff you owned, proud of you lady you are nailing it as I am, most important is you have to want to be tidy. Thank you.
You really speak to me, Erica. I just found your channel last night, and I have watched a few videos already. I was in your stage of life many years ago (homeschooled 2 boys for 8 years), and I had the exact same struggles you describe. However, I did not take care of my needs, and I certainly did not have your wisdom. This led to much anxiety and depression. Now that my life has slowed down, taking care of myself has become more important. I look forward to watching more videos to help me live simply. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I've been watching your videos from the beginning and could cry at how much happier and peaceful you seem now! Thank you for sharing your journey. Praise the Lord!
We had a completely cluttered basement. Two households, plus my dad’s stuff. Before I called in the junk removal guys (J-Dog is fantastic, and fast!), I told the other two people living here to pull out only what they wanted, and the rest is getting thrown out/donated. I first heard about this from Joshua Becker. It’s much faster than going through each and every item.
I love that you are a "normal" person and you look like one of us ... I can relate to you!! Also, you inspire me to get back at it. Some areas of my home look good, others look great, but more of them are a hot mess or a train wreck! So I can get going again, and I love the idea of deciding what to KEEP instead of what to get rid of. In a perfect world, I would EMPTY a room or cupboard and then just PUT BACK what I want to keep and then figure out what to do with the rest. Unfortunately, who has the space to do that in most cases? Anyway, thank you!!
Thank you! This was exactly what I needed today. I struggle so much with feeling that it’s okay to sit down and not do anything. I try to get so much done during the week, so we can have “Staycation Saturday” at least a few weekends a month. We play a lot of board game and card games. But during the in between, it’s so hard for me to just sit and relax, and do nothing. I keep thinking things need done, but really, we’re in a good spot, I should just relax. I think learning to enjoy this uncomfortable feeling of doing nothing, is the key I was missing.
Thank you so much for this video. I watched it several days ago and keep thinking about the concept of “decide what you want to keep”. That is so insightful and so helpful to me. I can believe that it changed the way you looked at things as I can see a shift occurring in me and I am not new to the decluttering process. I am starting to look at my possessions so much differently. I really like this perspective! I anticipate that it will help me to let go of things and will enhance my appreciation for the things that I keep.
Love how you explained everything so simply. Congratulations on your journey and progress! I too am at the point of pacing the house wondering what to do now that everything is so simplified lol
Asking “why” on the schedule can help so much too when you want a more simple life. A cluttered calendar can cause so much stress. Sophie is particularly sensitive to this.
i have to ask...if you do not multitask - how do you get the house chores and laundry done? !? 9-2 is a long school day with a house to take care of as well. We are doing the same thing, and multitasking drives me bonkers, but I don't know when else to get some of the stuff done (except after 9pm!)
Fun that you looked back.. I have 2 towels per person..and my 17yr old has 5 because he needs them for sport and I only wash on weekends.. minimalism is all about maths... the numbers are different for everyone!
Hey Ms. Erica! I just saw this very cool seed pot hack from that guy who does the seed planting shorts. This one is for using newspaper to make seed pots: ruclips.net/video/uDhGkdzbdzo/видео.html
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
As someone who has been following you since I think about 2 or 3 videos after your first realization you needed to declutter after returning from a vacation a) WOW, has it really been that long?? and b) WOW, look at your amazing progress!
Thanks for sticking with me! It’s been nearly 4 years!!
Me too! Been following since the beginning and used to cry with her. It was so nice to know I wasn't crying alone ❤
Me, too. I started watching from those early beginnings.
I watched you decluttering the basement and the attic. I watched you say your husband was at work. Then we watched such a joyous reunion. Staying at a decluttered house I saw you realize the peace.
2 weeks ago I started seriously finishing the decluttering of my Dads, my sister and my Moms lifetime of paper - which was worse than the objects. At 73, I am determined my son and grandsons will not have to do this for me.
Thank you for helping me know I Got This.
You GOT THIS! ❤
I do remember that first video. You have been so steady and natural. Your honesty and tears have been so real. Love you.
It’s been wonderful to have kindness and support along the way!
I am so glad you referenced Francine Jay! I read her book in 2012. It changed my life. She is a true minimalist, not just a declutter and reorganize gal. The story in the book that really grabbed me was when her New York apartment was robbed. The robbers stole a tube of lipstick and her laptop. The cops came in and said, “Wow, you really got cleaned out!” She was like, “Yes! They stole my favorite lipstick!” Ah ha ha! Her comment about how the robbers must have been so disappointed to not find ANYTHING to steal!
I remember watching your videos back in 2019. You have come so far.
You explain things so simply but with great effect. I have been watching you from the beginning and loved your basement and moving videos - so inspiring. You have achieved so much in this short period of time. You should be so proud🎉❤🎉
I appreciate that!
I’ve never been a messy person or an especially sentimental sort but I really enjoy learning how the mind works for folks who struggle with this. I have children who love to keep ‘all the things’ and I share the insights I learn from ladies like you. When we had 6 children in our 1,200 square foot house, I’d hear all the time how busy I must be and how I must be constantly cleaning. No. We limited stuff. Now that I have no small children, I have days ‘off’ in my cleaning schedule! You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am a military lady that is tired of stuff and tired of moving all the stuff while trying to get to retirement, raise kids and keep a clean home that doesn’t stress me/ us out. Thank you.
I can second all of that list. I particularly laughed at the comment about walking around, trying to find something to do. It's a bit scary some days. :D
Yes right?! It’s weird.
Youre always so Kind.
I remember that video. I'm struggling with the transition from minimalism to simple living. I want to be 'done' with minimalism or rather done with decluttering. I want my garage to be functional and not a backlog of clutter. I can park but it's not the tidy navigable space I dream of. That video being five years old made me realize how long it's been trying to get there. 😂
It is a transition from one to the other and I’m glad you are Decluttering!
good moring I am a proud mother of five Eagle Scouts it gives me much joy when I see families with boys in the scouting
program My boys (men) look back on their time in scouts with joy. Love seeing your boys in uniforns or the uniforms hanging
after being washed. Thank you
We are enjoying it! Our Den is awesome. 12 kids and involved parents.
I love day in the life video xxxxxx
OK! Will make a spring one
Erica, I have to thank you for the inspiration you have given me to downsize my home. My husband and I are retired so we should not be hanging onto stuff. I have started decluttering and we have donated a lot to thrift stores. No not Goodwill. I have you to thank for getting me going. I'm watching all your older videos and working my way to the most recent ones. Please keep your videos coming. I really enjoy them, you and Andy!!!!
I think I have been watching since the beginning of the basement too. I already had the book by Francine Jay, but reread it. I bought the second book too. I too have found that decluttering is now built into my routine as things “don’t fit in their homes” any more. The tackling of every spot is the way to go. I have a box in the basement that I fill as I declutter. When full, out it goes. I buy fewer toys for grandchildren and pay for camp and outings and things like that instead. I can go at a slower pace now because there is not as much stuff. It makes life so much easier.
Thank you.❤🙏
Wow that was 3.5 years ago? You’ve proved it can be done with perseverance, motivation and kindness. Thank you. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👍💪👏🙏💐
I too had a breakthrough when you said this. Thank you doesn't begin to say the impact of this peculiar video! Life changing!
Great video! You are starting to change my thinking about decluttering!
The "ask why" part. That was key for me.
The mind says go go go. The heart put on the brakes.
I like the idea of reverse thinking immensely.
Was there ever a turning point to deal with items that were attached to sentiments, people gone, and everything else of emotions which tug our heart to keep because letting go hurts too much?
I’m not alone, I hope….. thank you!!!!
God bless
Yes I think the turning point for sentimental for me was when it was all gathered into 25 bins after a move. It was too much and that encouraged me to deal with it.
@@EricaLucasLoves Yes. when enough is enough. It's like we turn into super woman. get outta my way!
I do pray....I pray for my heart to change. I pray for a brighter perspective not just about my stuff but other areas in life that normally get me feeling negative and nasty, quite frankly. I don't need that! Aging is rough enough without having the nasties be a part of my countenance. Let's all hope we can get to our positive turning points, turning in the bright direction : )
Love the reminder of your journey's start! Your videos from 2019 are the ones that got me excited about decluttering in the first place. I knew I had to do something but didn't know what, why or how. So I wish you many blessings and I thank you so much! Hugs
You are now a professional declutterer and organizer...did you ever think that would be the case? I'm just waiting on your book.
I’d love to see a day in the life spring video. The reverse decluttering method you showed is so much more helpful to me than the other way. Thanks for all your hard work you put into these videos!
Love how you reflect on your progress. ☺️
Love this video, Erica.
What do you feel when you see your old basement with all the stuff in it?
I watched you through all of it and I felt overwhelmed instantly seeing it again.
You sure have changed your home.
Congrats to you, Erica!
I cried when I watched it editing this video.
I’ve been doing number 5. Replaced plastic storage with glass as they needed replaced. Have gone organic as things have ran out. Use shampoo and conditioner in bars now as they come in cardboard not plastic. Have no spares of anything. As it has about a week left of use I order a new one. When I first started doing this I had over a year of most products before I had to buy more! It kick started my saving. I also did the same with my daughter clothes. Had four outfits out for each season but kept spares for as they need replaced. (She has special needs and has stopped growing). I haven’t had to buy her clothes in over two years! I’ve done the same with my clothes but have only kept what I absolutely love. As they get replaced I thrift good quality clothes. It’s made a massive difference to my mindset and bank balance! It sure is a long journey though, so good luck to everyone.😊
The reverse decluttering you talked about is what really helped me to declutter. We are a large family and to help the kids go through the toys I just asked them to pick what they wanted to keep.
It was easier to donate the toys as they just said keep or no.
I also do that with t-shirts. My boys are older so they get a lot of shirts/ clothes for Christmas and birthdays. And they've not grown too much the last couple of years so it's a hold it up and say yes keep or no.
I’m so glad this approach also works for your home!
Oh my this makes me want to go back to when I joined you cleaning out your last home's basement and shared your journey through that process - time for some binge watching!
I've said it before - but again - to me I see you busy living the life you worked for - the decluttering is done now's the time to get fully into all the good that process allows 😊
I agree with all of your points so much. Our family has been embracing being a 'slow family' - living more simply, more mindful, more outside, more connected. For us, a key part in getting there has been reducing our inventory and living minimal-ish (live this term, some members of our family are less minimal than others and that's okay!). We see so many benefits, like you mentioned.
Erica, you are so wise! Thx for sharing that with us!
This is a very well put together video. Getting to Wanting Less was impressive. It’s really the key to Simplicity.
Another great and helpful video 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Some people are born organised some not, but we can all learn to be organised, I started my journey must be 15 years ago with Fly lady,, I also watched every decluttering utube available, I watched you
Erica right from the beginning when you were saying how much home schooling stuff you owned, proud of you lady you are nailing it as I am, most important is you have to want to be tidy. Thank you.
Thank you Erica. For reminding us to stay the course and we can do it.💕💕💕
Quoting you, "Carving a path"!!!! Oh yes! What a great way of putting it!
Really beautiful as u explain the different clutter types & benefits 👍👍👍👍👍
You really speak to me, Erica. I just found your channel last night, and I have watched a few videos already. I was in your stage of life many years ago (homeschooled 2 boys for 8 years), and I had the exact same struggles you describe. However, I did not take care of my needs, and I certainly did not have your wisdom. This led to much anxiety and depression. Now that my life has slowed down, taking care of myself has become more important. I look forward to watching more videos to help me live simply. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I've been watching your videos from the beginning and could cry at how much happier and peaceful you seem now! Thank you for sharing your journey. Praise the Lord!
We had a completely cluttered basement. Two households, plus my dad’s stuff. Before I called in the junk removal guys (J-Dog is fantastic, and fast!), I told the other two people living here to pull out only what they wanted, and the rest is getting thrown out/donated. I first heard about this from Joshua Becker. It’s much faster than going through each and every item.
Thank you.
I love that you are a "normal" person and you look like one of us ... I can relate to you!! Also, you inspire me to get back at it. Some areas of my home look good, others look great, but more of them are a hot mess or a train wreck! So I can get going again, and I love the idea of deciding what to KEEP instead of what to get rid of. In a perfect world, I would EMPTY a room or cupboard and then just PUT BACK what I want to keep and then figure out what to do with the rest. Unfortunately, who has the space to do that in most cases? Anyway, thank you!!
Definitely want to see a Spring day in the life!
That is such an amazing library
Love your new logo!
Thank you! This was exactly what I needed today. I struggle so much with feeling that it’s okay to sit down and not do anything. I try to get so much done during the week, so we can have “Staycation Saturday” at least a few weekends a month. We play a lot of board game and card games. But during the in between, it’s so hard for me to just sit and relax, and do nothing. I keep thinking things need done, but really, we’re in a good spot, I should just relax. I think learning to enjoy this uncomfortable feeling of doing nothing, is the key I was missing.
As a mom it can get overwhelmed with decluttering our stuff and having to organize less.
Thank you so much for this video. I watched it several days ago and keep thinking about the concept of “decide what you want to keep”. That is so insightful and so helpful to me. I can believe that it changed the way you looked at things as I can see a shift occurring in me and I am not new to the decluttering process. I am starting to look at my possessions so much differently. I really like this perspective! I anticipate that it will help me to let go of things and will enhance my appreciation for the things that I keep.
I found your channel today and I am inspired. I need to de-clutter and downsize and you have some excellent advice. Thank you! New sub.
Hi Erica! Thank you for sharing. Love your videos. By the way, your dog, RANGER IS ADORABLE😍🥰💓💞🐕🐶❤❤
I enjoyed this look back because it's a great reminder of an amazing decluttering method!
Love how you explained everything so simply. Congratulations on your journey and progress!
I too am at the point of pacing the house wondering what to do now that everything is so simplified lol
The 183 year old Bible would make a cool décor piece! Like they used to do in "Fixer Upper".
Asking “why” on the schedule can help so much too when you want a more simple life. A cluttered calendar can cause so much stress. Sophie is particularly sensitive to this.
I’ve been asking “why does this matter?” lately when we feel busy. It helps me notice what doesn’t matter.
@@EricaLucasLoves I love that!
Where did you find those black drawer dividers that you are using for the kitchen? I could use some of them myself.
i have to ask...if you do not multitask - how do you get the house chores and laundry done? !? 9-2 is a long school day with a house to take care of as well. We are doing the same thing, and multitasking drives me bonkers, but I don't know when else to get some of the stuff done (except after 9pm!)
Do you think you will go back through all your basement storage again or are you happy with how it is?
Fun that you looked back.. I have 2 towels per person..and my 17yr old has 5 because he needs them for sport and I only wash on weekends.. minimalism is all about maths... the numbers are different for everyone!
You mentioned changing your outlook and reverse decluttering after reading HER book, which book?
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
❤️👍
Hey Ms. Erica! I just saw this very cool seed pot hack from that guy who does the seed planting shorts. This one is for using newspaper to make seed pots: ruclips.net/video/uDhGkdzbdzo/видео.html